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Based on a similar experience, I will give you this advice: go to any tryouts she wants to go to, but keep expectations low. And remember that at this age level the rosters are large - donít confuse a successful tryout to mean likely playing time. Itís easier than you think to make a team to be the 18th girl, but harder than you imagine to be the parent of an 18th girl who works her butt off and plays 10 minutes a game if sheís lucky.

The step-up at this age from LIJSL to a good NYCSL team is bigger than you realize - LIJSL to NPL/ECNL/GDA is a galactically large step-up. The pace of play makes it a different game. Also. By this age players are expected to be able to play in a system - does her current team have good coaching and play in system?

Good ball control vs. LIJSL defenders is not meaningful feedback.

Just tread carefully. She is running out of youth soccer years, so a wasted year at the wrong level is extra painful.

You have nothing to lose by going to the tryouts for either ECNL or DA. Tryouts should be posted soon for clubs. Register and see what happens.

You definitely wonít have anything to lose. This is true. But, keep in mind that during tryouts, as a new player, you have very limited time on the ball to impress coaches. Obviously, if you are outstanding, they will know right away. But, if you blend in you will have to be better then what they already have. This can be hard to showcase during tryouts. That is why it is always better to be with these clubs at younger ages. The coaches will already know what they have, as opposed to taking a chance on someone new. You never know what you are getting with a new player, as far as how they will fit in, can they handle the schedule, the parents, etc. These are definitely important factors that often work against a new kid.

But, to see where your daughter fits, I would definitely give it a shot. If she wants to play HS, then go to a ECNL tryout. If HS doesnít matter, go to either DA or ECNL.

I am not sure it is better to be at the da/ecnl clubs at young ages. I think it depends on the club because they are always looking for "newer, shinier, better" and sometimes quality kids get bumped by newbies who offer very little.

I am not sure it is better to be at the da/ecnl clubs at young ages. I think it depends on the club because they are always looking for "newer, shinier, better" and sometimes quality kids get bumped by newbies who offer very little.

I think it is definitely an advantage. With that said, kids who are really good most of the time will want to go where the best opportunities are. This is a very competetive environment. If you donít keep improving, you can certainly be replaced.

On the boys side, talk to anyone who plays at NYCFC or RedBulls. One dad told me it seems like every training there is a new kid there that they are taking a look at. Girls side, not quite like that, but still very competitive.

Tough thing is some kids at 9 or 10 are one of the best on a team and by 13 they are in the bottom third. Happens all the time. These kids usually quit the sport.

I am not sure it is better to be at the da/ecnl clubs at young ages. I think it depends on the club because they are always looking for "newer, shinier, better" and sometimes quality kids get bumped by newbies who offer very little.

On the contrary. Many club rosters are locked in tight no later than U15. It isn't always to most prudent decision but happens more often than not. They don't want to risk taking on a new player unless they're likely to be an impact starter. By U12-13 most of those top players are known/identified in the area and move into top leagues by U14 or so. If you're only going to bump off player 18-22 they're much less likely to chance a chance on an unknown.

OP shouldn't wait for cattle call tryouts at any club: call clubs and ask to attend a practice or two at a few teams that might be a fit. It's very difficult to get noticed at big tryouts. If she doesn't get any traction from going to practices then she's probably in over her head. A move into EDP or NYCSL may be a better fit - you don't want her sitting but playing as much as possible.

On the contrary. Many club rosters are locked in tight no later than U15. It isn't always to most prudent decision but happens more often than not. They don't want to risk taking on a new player unless they're likely to be an impact starter. By U12-13 most of those top players are known/identified in the area and move into top leagues by U14 or so. If you're only going to bump off player 18-22 they're much less likely to chance a chance on an unknown.

OP shouldn't wait for cattle call tryouts at any club: call clubs and ask to attend a practice or two at a few teams that might be a fit. It's very difficult to get noticed at big tryouts. If she doesn't get any traction from going to practices then she's probably in over her head. A move into EDP or NYCSL may be a better fit - you don't want her sitting but playing as much as possible.

I agree -- you do not want to wait until tryouts. Clubs are receptive to having kids come to practices ahead of time to see if it is a fit on both sides. You have the following choices:

None of these entities are perfect, but there is some good talent -- unfortunately, sometimes it is spread too thin across these teams and the more elite players would benefit from some consolidation.

You also need to figure out logistics...how far are you willing to commute to practices and travel for games? ECNL and DA teams have kids coming from as far as hour an way -- practicing 3-4x/week plus their games take them to the entire NE (Boston>DC) + plus showcases/tournaments several times a year in places requiring plane rides. These require hotel stays and travel costs add up.

You should also try to see if you know anyone at any of these clubs and talk to them.

None of these entities are perfect, but there is some good talent -- unfortunately, sometimes it is spread too thin across these teams and the more elite players would benefit from some consolidation.

You also need to figure out logistics...how far are you willing to commute to practices and travel for games? ECNL and DA teams have kids coming from as far as hour an way -- practicing 3-4x/week plus their games take them to the entire NE (Boston>DC) + plus showcases/tournaments several times a year in places requiring plane rides. These require hotel stays and travel costs add up.

You should also try to see if you know anyone at any of these clubs and talk to them.

I know its minor, but your list is upside down, GDA goes top, fix it please....